Cruise lines expected to return to Liverpool
Liverpool is hoping to see more cruiselines start voyages from the city following yesterday's decision to award its port "turnaround status".
Cruise ships are currently only allowed to stop off at the Pier Head terminal, which was built by Liverpool City Council in 2008 with £20m grant aid.
The Department for Transport said yesterday Liverpool would be granted turn-around status, allowing cruise ships to start and end their voyages in the city, on condition that the City Council repays £8.8m of the aid.
Southampton port has argued against Liverpool gaining turnaround status unless it repays the full grant, which was awarded out of public funds.
However, Liverpool has already begun building a temporary baggage and customs building at Pier Head in anticipation of a change in the ruling, which it said would benefit the Merseyside region to the tune of more than £100m a year.
With permission from Travelmole
Cruise ships have indeed started with Embark/Disembark status and it has already attracted much interest from several Cruise lines. One ship that has listed a full itinerary is Ocean Countess. Several are 'round the land' (British Isles) and one that has caught my attention is Madeira and the Canaries, etc. in October.
One thing that is not clear with the Travel Agent, is the £5 fuel supplement. It's not a great deal on money I know, but I like to know whether it's included in the price or if it is an 'add on' after the booking process is completed. These 'extras' can add up to a tidy percentage increase in the basic Cruise price. Another item that I would have liked to have made clearer is gratuities. On a page that I viewed, but can no longer find, is the tips can add up to nearly £250 for a fourteen day trip. That's quite a sum for a waiter or bedroom steward on buttons for wages. I like to know in who's pocket my money ends up.
But despite the concerns, as a former seaman who sailed the liners in the late Fifties & Sixties, I'm really glad that the ships are back.
If anyone has info on the above, will you please post it.
Thanks
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